 |
|
Home |
|
11th Century Western Tibetan Figure of Maitreya browse these categories for related items... All Items: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Sculpture: Pre 1492: item #821874 Please refer to our stock #1078 when inquiring.
$1400 |
|
||||||||||
|
Details: A cute and rare example of an 11th century bronze figure of the bodhisattva Maitreya from Western Tibetan. This early Western Tibetan piece displays classic Kashmiri stylistic elements, such as the nimbus and the dhoti worn with one short leg secured with a sash hanging down between his flexed legs. However, the two different types of earrings point to an Indian tradition along with the beaded jewelry and is a highly unusual feature in the Kashmiri context.
Both these elements of style and fashion were introduced to Western Tibet most notably during the second propagation of Buddhism from the mid 10th century onward. This figure was most probably crafted by Kashmiri of Pala casters likely working in the Guge Kingdom of Western Tibet during the earliest phase, illustrative of the transfer of an iconographic type from Kashmir and Pala India to Tibetan artists.
According to some Buddhist traditions, the period of the Buddhist Law is divided into three stages: a first period of 500 years, of the turning the Wheel of the Law; a second period of 1,000 years, of the deterioration of the Law, and a third period of 3,000 years during which no one practices the Law. After this, Buddhism having disappeared, a new Buddha will appear who will again turn the Wheel of the Law. This future Buddha is still in the Tusita heaven, in the state of a Bodhisattva. Gautama Buddha himself will enthrone him as his successor. The name means 'benevolence' or 'friendship'. He is now living his last existence as a Bodhisattva. In anticipation of his imminent arrival, he is sometimes considered as a Buddha and given the title of Tathagata. Maitreya is the only celestial Bodhisattva recognized by the sects of the Theravada school, who represented him from the outset. His representations abound throughout Buddhist Asia. Yet he is usually shown as a Bodhisattva, standing and adorned with jewels, rather than seated. In certain images representing him in the sky Tusita, he appears seated with his legs in Padmasana. He is recognized by wearing a small stupa in his headdress and a scarf is usually tied around his waist. Sometimes an antelope skin covers his left shoulder. He often forms a triad with Sakyamuni and Avalokitesvara; in fact, in Sri Lanka, sculptures thought to depict Avalokitesvara have been reinterpreted as showing Maitreya. Age: 11th Century. Height: 14cm on base, 11.5 cm off base. Remarks: This piece is identified as Maitreya by the stupa in the centre of his high crown. |
|||||||||||
